austin, texas, May 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Thriving Pet Healthcarea leading network of veterinary services with nearly 400 locations in the US, advised dog and cat owners about the health risks in the home when pets are not protected year-round from external parasites such as fleas and ticks.
according to a Zoonoses Public Health Studyhouseholds with pets are at higher risk of finding ticks crawling on or attached to household members compared to households without pets.
Many flea and tick borne diseases that can affect dogs and cats can equally affect humans. Tick bites that are infected with Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in serious health conditions for pets and humans. Although less common, fleas can transmit infections and diseases to both pets and humans, including plague and murine typhus.
“Parasites aren’t picky. Fleas and ticks bite humans just as easily as our pets, which could put everyone in the household at risk of disease when dogs and cats aren’t on a preventative regimen. throughout the year,” he said. Thrive Pet Healthcare Vice President of Medical Excellence and Education Dr. kelly cairns. “Veterinary prescribed flea and tick preventives are the best way to protect your pet from harmful and sometimes deadly parasite-related diseases.”
Dogs and cats can also become infected with heartworm disease, a life-threatening disease carried by mosquitoes. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquito bites and can grow up to a foot long, living in the pet’s heart and lungs. Symptoms are often imperceptible until irreversible damage has been done.
“Once your dog or cat is infected with heartworm disease, treatment can be very expensive, have possible side effects, and is not always successful,” said Dr. Cairns. “Ultimately, the risks of infection and the high cost of treatment outweigh the cost of prevention.”
Some of the common myths about exposure to external parasites in pets include:
- Myth: Indoor pets are not at risk.
Many parasites are mobile and can easily enter your home through an open door or window or be carried by people or other pets. - Myth: Parasites are not a problem for pets during the winter.
The weather can be unpredictable. While infection rates drop with cold weather, the warm climate inside most homes during the winter months can be an attractive breeding ground for parasites. Also, pet owners who travel with their pets could expose them to parasites. - Myth: Only certain geographic regions of the country are prone to parasites.
Heartworm is found within mosquitoes in all 50 states. Anywhere there is soil, grass, moisture, or vegetation, there is the potential for external parasites.
Encourage pet owners to invest in the long-term health and well-being of their pets, through may 31select Thrive Pet Healthcare primary care hospitals will offer a 10% discount on 6 and 12 month supplies of Simparica, Simparica TRIO, Revolution PLUS and ProHeart 12 annual injectable.prosper more™ members will receive an additional 10% discount. For more information on this parasite prevention promotion, common pet parasites, and prevention options, visit https://www.thrivepetcare.com/parasites-arent-picky.
Thrive Plus membership makes it easier and more cost-effective for pets to receive frequent, high-quality care throughout their lives. From $14.95 per month, members receive unlimited free exams, $5 nail trimming and 10% discount on primary care services.
About Thrive Pet Healthcare:
Thrive Pet Healthcare is a leading veterinary services network that uniquely provides ongoing care for pet families and services to veterinary hospitals. With an industry-first membership program and over 400 acute, primary and specialty care providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare offers personalized and affordable care at every stage of a pet’s life and health. The veterinarian-founded organization provides world-class benefits for practice staff while enhancing private veterinary hospitals with innovative services and technology solutions. By focusing on the needs and aspirations of veterinary care providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare supports the well-being of the industry and raises the national bar for veterinary excellence. To learn more about Thrive Pet Healthcare, visit www.thrivepetcare.com.
SOURCE Thrive Pet Healthcare